Convex vs Supabase
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. Supabase: Open-source Postgres backend platform: database, auth, storage, realtime and edge functions in one project.
key differences
- Convex is primarily a document database; Supabase is relational.
- Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); Supabase is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0).
- Only Supabase has joins, geospatial, triggers, materialized views, encryption at rest.
- Convex has a serverless option; Supabase does not.
choose convex for
- +Realtime collaborative SaaS apps
- +AI chat and agent apps with vector search
- +Startups replacing a hand-built API plus cache
- +Apps scaffolded by AI coding tools
best at · OLTP, Vector search, RAG
choose supabase for
- +MVPs and startups needing a complete backend quickly
- +AI-generated apps from Lovable, Bolt and similar builders
- +Mobile and web apps with auth and file uploads
- +Realtime collaborative features via Postgres changes
best at · OLTP, Vector search, RAG
Convex vs Supabase: FAQ
What is the difference between Convex and Supabase?
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. Supabase: Open-source Postgres backend platform: database, auth, storage, realtime and edge functions in one project. Convex is primarily a document database; Supabase is relational. Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); Supabase is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0). Only Supabase has joins, geospatial, triggers, materialized views, encryption at rest.
When should I choose Convex over Supabase?
Choose Convex for realtime collaborative SaaS apps; AI chat and agent apps with vector search; and startups replacing a hand-built API plus cache. Choose Supabase for MVPs and startups needing a complete backend quickly; AI-generated apps from Lovable, Bolt and similar builders; and mobile and web apps with auth and file uploads.
Is Convex or Supabase more popular?
Supabase ranks #23 on the WhichDB Score (54.3/100) and Convex ranks #114 (26.0/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Convex and Supabase open source?
Not in the OSI sense. Convex is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client. Yes. Supabase is open source. License: Apache License 2.0.